Trio earn Clough's praise

14 October 2014

Nigel Clough was happy to see Jose Baxter come through an hour against Leyton Orient on Saturday, whilst also reserving special praise for the performances of James Wallace and Jay McEveley against the O's.

Baxter played as United's attacking focal point at the weekend, having being deployed deeper in his comeback appearance at Hartlepool United, where he scored the Blades opening goal in the JPT tie.

And although the Gaffer was disappointed the former Everton man didn't open the scoring inside 60 seconds against Kevin Nugent's side, he was content to see his number 11 continue to build up his fitness after a niggling hamstring complaint.

Clough, who went on to comment about Wallace and McEveley, remarked: "Jose Baxter put in a good shift, but should have scored within the first minute; he got a good hour into his legs which is pleasing.

"James Wallace will have nightmares about his miss for weeks to come, but in general play he was excellent again, he was taken off as a precaution, but his performances are full of energy and guile.

"Jay McEveley was very assured at centre-half too, whilst Paddy McCarthy improved as the game progressed and we looked to have a good balance within the back four with a right and left footer in there.

The Blades boss concluded by reiterating the important role Harrison McGahey has played for United to date, adding:

"Harrison has been fantastic for us but you can't expect an 18-year-old centre-half who is still learning his trade to play every game at this level, initially he was signed as fourth choice, so he has already exceeded expectations with his contribution to the squad."​